US3853286A

US3853286A - Reel construction

Info

Publication number: US3853286A
Application number: US00304131A
Authority: US
Inventors: S Beder; A Toth; W Persak
Original assignee: Packaging Corp of America
Current assignee: Packaging Corp of America
Priority date: 1972-11-06
Filing date: 1972-11-06
Publication date: 1974-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-10

Abstract

A collapsible reel assembly is provided on which a length of wire, flexible tubing or the like may be wound. The assembly is formed of a pair of blanks made of corrugated fibreboard and each blank includes a hub portion, a rim portion spaced from and encompassing said hub portion, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts interconnecting the hub and rim portions, and a plurality of annularly spaced second struts, each of which has an outer end foldably connected to the rim portion. The first struts, and the rim and hub portions of a blank cooperate with one another so as to form an end wall for the reel assembly. The second struts of the blanks are transversely disposed relative to the end walls and cooperate with one another to form a core on which the length of wire, flexible tubing or the like is wound.

Description

United States Patent [191 Beder et al.

[ Dec. 10, 1974 1 1 REEL CONSTRUCTION [75] Inventors: Samuel Lewis Beder, Bronx, N.Y.;

Alexander Toth, Clifton; Warren Richard Persak, Fair Lawn, both of NJ.

[73] Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America,

Evanston, Ill.

22 Filed: Nov. 6, 1972 211 App]. No.: 304,131

[52] U.S. Cl. 242/115, 242/118.8 [51] Int. Cl B6511 75/22, B6511 75/14 [58] Field Of Search"... 242/1 18.8, 118.7, 118.6, 242/1184, 118.61, 71.8, 77, 77.3

[56] i 1 I References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,282,119 5/1942 Darling 242/71.8 2,545,004 3/1951 Ortenblad 6K 31. 242/71.8 3,329,259 7/1967 Mayer 242/118.8

, FOREIGN PATENTS 0R APPLICATIONS 706,260 3/1965 Canada'.....' 242/1 18.8

Primary Examiner-George F. Mautz [57] ABSTRACT A collapsible reel assembly is provided on which a length of wire, flexible tubing or the like may be wound. Theassembly is formed of a pair of blanks made of corrugated fibreboard and each blank includes a hub portion, a rim portion spaced from and encompassing said hub portion, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts interconnecting the hub and rim portions, and a plurality of annularly spaced second struts, each of which has an outer end foldably connected to the rim portion. The first struts, and the rim and hub portions of a blank cooperate with one another so as to form an end wall for the reel assembly. The second struts of the blanks are transversely disposed relative to the end walls and cooperate with one another to form a core on which the length of wire, flexible tubing or the like is wound.

3 Claims, 10 DrawingFigures PATENIEL m1 man I saw 1 or 2 FIG.3

FIG.I

1 REEL CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION the assembly, when collapsed, did not assume a 'com-.

pact, flat condition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a reel assembly which is not beset with the aforenoted shortcomings.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a reel assembly which assumes a flat, compact condition when in a collapsed state, and thus, may be readily stored when not in use.

It is afurther object of the invention to provide a reel assembly the components of which may be readily formed on conventional slotting, slitting and scoring equipment.

It is a further object of the invention to provide one form of an improved reel assembly which may be readily converted into a shipping container when desired.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, 7 accompanying drawings and appended claims.

In accordance'with one embodiment of the invention, a collapsible reel assembly is provided which is formed of a pair of interconnected blanks arranged in substantially superposed relation. Each blank includes a hub portion, a rim portion spaced therefrom and encompassing said hub portion, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts interconnecting the hub and rim portions, and a plurality of annularly spaced second struts interposed and separated from the first struts. vThe first struts and the hub and rim portions of each blank are adapted to form an end wall of the assembly. Each second strut of a blank has an outer end which is foldably connected to the rim portion. An intermediate member is also provided which is disposed between the blanks and has portions thereof positioned between the interconnected second struts. Encompassing the exterior of the second struts and the intermediate member is a web which retains the end walls in-sp aced. substantially parallel relation.

DESCRIPTION For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of the improved reel assembly shown in set up condition.

FIG. 2 is a side 'elevational view of the assembly of FIG. 1, but showing the web partiallyremoved so as to expose the folded second struts and the intermediate member. 7

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a blank forming one component of the reel assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4-is a top plan view of the intermediate member forming another component of the reel assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 2, but showing the assembly in a collapsed state.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembly, but showing the components thereof in exploded relation.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a modified blank forming a component of a second embodiment of the reel assembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the reel assembly shown in one state of setup.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the reel assembly of FIG. 8 being set up to form a shipping container.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of a pair of corresponding second struts of the assembly of FIG.' 8 showing the manner in which the inner ends of said struts are interconnected.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, one form of the improved reel assembly 20 is shown on which a length of wire, flexible tubing, etc., may be wound. The assembly 20, when not in use, may assume a collapsed compact condition, as seen in FIG. 5, and in such condition may be readily stored. Assembly 20, as seen in FIG. 6, comprises a number of components, all of which may be formed from fibre-board material, such as corrugated board. Two of the

components

21a and 21b are blanks of like configuration, and each includes a

hub portion

22a or 22b provided with a central bearing opening 23a or 23b, and a

rim portion

24a or 24b which is spaced from and encircles the hub portion. The hub and rim portions are interconnected by a plurality of elongated, annularly spaced first struts 2511 or 25b. The hub and rim portions and the first struts of each blank are disposed in coplanar relation and cooperate with one another to form an end wall W for the reel assembly.

In addition to the

first struts

25a or 25b, each blank is provided. with a plurality of elongated, annularly spaced

second struts

260 or 26b. The first and second struts of each blank are separated from one another by slits. The outer end of each second strut is connected by a

foldline

270 or 27b to the

rim portion

24a or 24b. The inner end of each second strut is provided with a

foldable tab

28a or 28b. The tabs of the corresponding second struts of the blanks are secured to one another by adhesive, staples or the like, see FIG. 2.

Besides the two

blanks

21a and 21b, the reel assembly 20 includes as a component thereof an intermediate member 30, see FIGS. 4 and 6, which serves to reinforce the assembly when itis set up as shown in FIG. 1 to receive the wound wire, tubing or the like. Mem ber 30 is preferably formed from the same material as

blanks

21a and 21b, and includes a hub portion 31 provided with a central bearing opening 32, the latter being axially aligned with

openings

23a and 23b when the assembly is set up. Extending radially outwardly from the hub portion 31 of member 30 are a plurality of annularly spaced slots 33. The location and number of slots will correspond with the location and number of

second struts

26a and 26b formed in the blanks 21a and 21b. The intermediate member 30 is provided with fingerlike portions 34 which radiate from hub portion 31 and extend between the interconnected second struts which are secured to one another.

Besides the

blanks

21a and 21b, and the intermediate member 30, the reel assembly includes a web 35 of fibreboard or the like which is adapted to encompass the interconnected second struts and the intermediate member to form a core C. The interior surface of web engage the outer end limits of the fingerlike portions 34 of member 30 and is reenforced thereby. The opposite ends of the core C are enclosed by the end walls W. The

opposite ends

35a and 35b of theweb may overlap one another and be secured together by tape or the like. The width of the web 35 is such that it will fit between the end walls W and retain same in proper spaced relation. The radially extending portions 34 of member 30 contact the interior surface of web 35 and provide reinforcement of the web at approximately its mid-width. The utilization of the member 30 is op- 156 of the other blank, as shown more clearly in FIG. 9.

Each of the modified blanks 121a and 121b are of like configuration and include a hub portion 122a and 122b provided with a .central opening 123a (only one being shown), a

rim portion

124a or 124b having a square peripheral configuration, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts 125a and 125b interconnecting said hub and rim portions, and a plurality of annularly tional and will depend upon the size of the reel assembly and stiffness of the web.

When the reel assembly is to be collapsed, as shown in FIG. 5, the web 35 is removed from between the end walls W, whereupon thelatter can be pushed together causing the intermediate member 30 to be sandwiched therebetween. I

To reenforce the bearing

openings

23a, 23b and 32, metal grommets G may be utilized. The openings are sized to receive an axle or rod, not shown, which is used to support the assembly during winding thereon or unwinding therefrom of the wire, tubing or the like.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate a second embodiment of the improved reel assembly 120 which besides utilizing end walls and a core in a manner similar to that incorpothereof.

As in the case of assembly 20, assembly 120 includes substantially the same components shown in FIG. 6; however, the

rim portion

124a or 124b of the blanks 121a or l2lb have a substantially square peripheral configuration. Foldably connected to the sides of rim portion 1240 or 12412 are

closure flaps

150a, 151a and 153a, or 15012, 151b, 152!) and 15312. As seen in FIG. 7,

flaps

150a and 152a are opposite one another and are of like configuration and each includes a first pair of spaced parallel slots 154, which are disposed trans versely of the foldline 155 connecting the flap to the rim portion 124a, and a second pair of slots 156, which are aligned with and interrupt foldline 155.

Flaps

151a and 1530 are of like constructionand are connected by foldlines 157 to the remaining peripheral sides of the rim portion 124a. Each flap 151a and 153a has a pair of foldable tabs 158 formed on the outer edge thereof. The relative positions of the tabs 158 and the slots 154 formed on flaps 150a and 1520 are such that the tabs 158 are adapted to extend through the corresponding slots 154 when the flaps are folded outwardly in overlapping relation', as seen in FIG. 8. The closure flaps may be folded outwardly in overlapping relation while the product is being wound on or removed from the reel assembly 120.

It should be noted inFlG. 8 that the arrangement of the slotted and tabbed closure flaps in blank 1211) is disposed 90 relative to the arrangement in blank 121a. The reason for this relation is that when the closure flaps are folded so as to'enclose the wound product, the tabs 158 of one blank will lockingly fit within the slots spaced

second struts

126a and 126b. As in the case of assembly 20, the outer end of each second strut 1260 is foldably connected to rim portion 124a. The remainder of each second strut is delimited by a cut, thereby making each second strut separate fromv the adjacent first strut. The inner end of each second strut is provided with a foldable tab 128a. As seen in FIG. 10, the tabs 128a of corresponding

second struts

126a and 126b are secured to one another by staples 160 or the like. Disposed between the

rim portions

124a and 124b and encompassing the interconnected

second struts

126a and 126b is a web 135. It will be noted that the number and shape of the second struts in the modified assembly are different from those of the assembly 20. In either case, the number and shape of the struts, as well as other components of the assembly may vary from that illustrated and will depend upon the type of product being accommodated by the assembly. Furthermore, if desired, an intermediate member 30 may be utilized as one of the components of the modified reel assembly 120 in the same manner as described with respect to assembly 20.

Thus, it will be seen that an improved collapsible reel assembly has been provided which is of simple, inexpensive construction, does not require special tools or equipment to set up or collapse, is capable of handling a variety of products, and may be readily reuseable.

We claim:

1. A collapsible reel assembly comprising a pair of blanks interconnected to one another and arranged-in substantially superposed relation, an intermediate member interposed said blanks, and a web of material removably disposed between saidblanks and encompassing said intermediate member when said assembly is in a non-collapsed state; each blank including a hub portion, a rim portion spacedv from and encompassing said hubportion, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts interconnecting said hub and rim portions, said first struts and said hub and rim portions of a blank defining an end wall of the reel assembly, and a plurality of annularly spaced second struts disposed intermediate said first struts and separated therefrom, each second strut being one end thereof foldably connected to a portion of the blank defining the end wall, and a second end thereof foldably connected to the second end of a corresponding second strut of the other blank of the assembly, corresponding second struts, when in a first position of adjustment, being in substantial endwise relation and forming a core section disposed intermediate said end walls and aligned with the hub portions thereof whereby said end walls are in substantially spaced, parallel relation and said assembly is in a noncollapsed state, and when in a, second position of adjustment and said web has been removed from between said blanks, said second struts being disposed in proximate substantially parallel relation whereby said end walls and said intermediate member are in proximate substantially parallel relation and said reel assembly is in a collapsed state; and intermediate member including a central portion aligned with the hub portions of bly is in a non-collapsed state.

2. The reel assembly of claim 1 wherein the one end of each second strut of each blank is foldably connected to the rim portion of saidblank.

3. The reel assembly of claim 1 wherein said blanks and said intermediate member are provided with bearing openings disposed in coaxial alignment.

. UNITED. STATES PATENT OFI ICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. ,2 Dated December 10, 1974 Inventor(s)Samu elT L. 'Beder, Alexander 7 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters vPatent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 4, line 52 "being" should be --.h avingolumn 5, line l "a 'nd." should be said I sighed and sealed this lith'dey of March 1975 I (SEAL) I Attest:

. s s v t c. MARSHALL DANN RUTH C. MASON j Commissioner of Patents Attesting Officer, .-and Trademarks

Claims

1. A collapsible reel assembly comprising a pair of blanks interconnected to one another and arranged in substantially superposed relation, an intermediate member interposed said blanks, and a web of material removably disposed between said blanks and encompassing said intermediate member when said assembly is in a non-collapsed state; each blank including a hub portion, a rim portion spaced from and encompassing said hub portion, a plurality of annularly spaced first struts interconnecting said hub and rim portions, said first struts and said hub and rim portions of a blank defining an end wall of the reel assembly, and a plurality of annularly spaced second struts disposed intermediate said first struts and separated therefrom, each second strut being one end thereof foldably connected to a portion of the blank defining the end wall, and a second end thereof foldably connected to the second end of a corresponding second strut of the other blank of the assembly, corresponding second struts, when in a first position of adjustment, being in substantial endwise relation and forming a core section disposed intermediate said end walls and aligned with the hub portions thereof whereby said end walls are in substantially spaced, parallel relation and said assembly is in a non-collapsed state, and when in a second position of adjustment and said web has been removed from between said blanks, said second struts being disposed in proximate substantially parallel relation whereby said end walls and said intermediate member are in proximate substantially parallel relation and said reel assembly is in a collapsed state; and intermediate member including a central portion aligned with the hub portions of said blanks, and peripheral portions projecting from the central portion and extending between the adjacent second struts of said blanks, the outer periphery of said intermediate member supportingly engaging the encompassing web of material when said second struts are in said first position of adjustment and said reel assembly is in a non-collapsed state.

2. The reel assembly of claim 1 wherein the one end of each second strut of each blank is foldably connected to the rim portion of said blank.